Meatballs and new potatoes in tomato sauce

Juicy meatballs with new potatoes in tomato sauce

This recipe combines the rich flavor of meat with the delicate textures of potatoes and tomato sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. It is an ideal recipe for a family dinner or to impress friends, while being simple and quick. Additionally, with a little preparation, you can bring a touch of warmth and joy to every plate.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 250 g beef (choose fresh meat with a moderate fat content to achieve juicy meatballs)
- 1 egg (helps bind the ingredients)
- 2 tablespoons rice (washed and drained)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- A bunch of parsley (chopped, for added flavor and color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons flour (to give consistency to the meatballs)
- 500 g new potatoes (for a fresh taste and fine texture)
- 1 can of tomatoes (in their own juice, preferably without preservatives)
- 1 bunch of green onions (for a crunchy contrast)
- Sweet paprika (for a splash of color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- A sprig of rosemary (for an unmistakable aroma)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water, for a more intense flavor)

Instructions

1. Preparing the meat mixture
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, egg, washed and drained rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure good binding of the ingredients.

2. Chilling the mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to combine and helps in forming the meatballs.

3. Preparing the potatoes
Meanwhile, peel the new potatoes and boil them in salted water for about 10 minutes, or until a fork can easily enter them, but not completely. Then, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain the crunchy texture of the potatoes.

4. Forming the meatballs
Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Wet your hands with a little water and form small meatballs, being careful not to make them too large for even cooking.

5. Boiling the meatballs
In a large pot, add water, salt, and the sprig of rosemary. Bring to a boil. Add the meatballs and boil for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, giving it a delicate texture.

6. Preparing the sauce
In a pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped green onions until they become translucent. Add the sweet paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, and chopped tomatoes. Mix well and let simmer for a few minutes. Add a cup of chicken broth and mix again.

7. Finalizing the dish
Add the boiled meatballs and potatoes to the tomato sauce. Let simmer together for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fully cooked and the flavors have blended.

8. Serving
Serve the dish warm, garnished with a little fresh parsley for added freshness. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or plain rice for a contrast of textures.

Useful tips

- Variations of ingredients: You can replace the beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Also, add other vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots or zucchini, for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Tricks for perfect meatballs: If you want the meatballs to be fluffier, you can add a little breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
- Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals. New potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, while tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When you are ready to cook them, you can boil them directly from the freezer.

- What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use seasoned water or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

- How can I enhance the tomato sauce?
You can add spices like oregano or basil for a more complex flavor.

Calories

This recipe offers approximately 400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the portions served.

Conclusion
Juicy meatballs with new potatoes in tomato sauce are an excellent choice for a comforting and flavorful dinner. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table!